If you have ever wished to capture the nostalgic flavors of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich but serve it in a way that brings everyone to the table effortlessly, this Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe is your dream come true. It combines the perfect harmony of Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese, and a fluffy custard soaked French bread, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is both comforting and delightfully elegant—ideal for brunch, a special breakfast, or even a fancy weekend treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that each play an essential role. From the crunch of the fresh French bread to the creamy richness of the custard, these ingredients balance taste, texture, and color beautifully.
- French bread, 1 (16-oz) loaf: Choose a fresh loaf for that perfect airy yet sturdy base.
- Honey mustard dressing, â…“ cup: Adds a subtle tangy sweetness that brightens every bite.
- Canadian bacon, 20 slices: Tender, smoky, and slightly salty for savory flavor.
- Very thin Swiss cheese slices, 20 slices: Melt-in-your-mouth with just the right sharpness to complement the bacon.
- Large eggs, 8: The foundation of the rich custard soaking the bread slices.
- Half-and-half, 2 cups: Brings creaminess to the custard mixture.
- Milk, 1 cup: Lightens up the custard while maintaining richness.
- Sugar, 2 tbsp: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance savory elements.
- Vanilla, 1 tsp: Infuses a warm, delicate flavor into the custard.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting and that classic Monte Cristo sweet finish.
- Raspberry jam: Optional but highly recommended for a fruity contrast.
How to Make Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by slicing your French bread into 20 slices, each about one inch thick. This thickness is just right to absorb the custard without losing its structure during baking, giving you that perfect custardy center with a slight bread bite.
Step 2: Add the Honey Mustard
Brush both sides of each bread slice generously with the honey mustard dressing. This step might seem simple, but it’s crucial as it adds a layer of bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the custard and cheese.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Bacon
In your baking dish, arrange the bread slices in two overlapping rows. Between each slice, place one thin slice of Swiss cheese followed by one slice of Canadian bacon. The overlapping layers ensure every bite gets a wonderful mix of creamy cheese and savory bacon.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and combined. This custard mixture is what will soak into the bread, elevating each slice with a luscious texture and subtle sweetness. Pour it evenly over the arranged bread slices, making sure everything gets well coated.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, which is the secret to the casserole’s moist, fluffy texture after baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Uncover the casserole right before baking. This step ensures the custard is chilled but ready to set up beautifully in the heat.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. Look for the casserole to puff slightly and the custard to be set—no liquid jiggle should remain. The edges will be golden, and the cheese melted perfectly throughout, creating a delectable aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top—it adds both a lovely visual contrast and a hint of sweetness. For the best Monte Cristo experience, serve with a spoonful of raspberry jam on the side or gently dolloped on top. This fruity element beautifully complements the savory and sweet layers within the casserole.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Powdered sugar and raspberry jam are classic, but feel free to add fresh berries or a sprig of mint to brighten the plate. A light drizzle of maple syrup can also add an extra touch of sweetness for those who love a syrupy finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness or a fresh fruit salad for a natural, juicy contrast. For a heartier meal, consider roasted potatoes or a simple sautéed vegetable medley alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a fancy brunch presentation or set it family-style in the casserole dish for a cozy, communal feel. You can even layer it in a trifle dish to show off the beautiful strata of bread, cheese, and bacon for a stunning visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The casserole might firm up a bit, but the flavor only deepens, making it perfect for quick next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the custard-soaked bread.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. To keep the casserole from drying out, cover it loosely with foil during reheating. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, but the oven helps preserve that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
While French bread gives the best balance of crust and softness, you can experiment with brioche or challah for a richer taste and softer texture. Just be mindful that denser breads might require longer soaking.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Overnight refrigeration allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a much creamier, custardy casserole. If short on time, a few hours will work but the texture will be less luxurious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk and cream substitutes, and pick a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be delicious, though the texture may be slightly different.
What is the purpose of the powdered sugar on top?
Powdered sugar adds a classic sweet finish that contrasts beautifully with the savory components, especially when paired with raspberry jam. It’s a hallmark of the Monte Cristo flavor profile.
Can I add other meats or cheeses to this casserole?
You can customize the Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe with turkey or ham instead of Canadian bacon, or try different cheeses like Gruyère or Havarti. Keep in mind that the traditional pairing is what creates the signature taste loved by many.
Final Thoughts
This Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe is a wonderful way to make a timeless favorite more convenient and shareable, perfect for family gatherings and special mornings alike. Its creamy, sweet, and savory balance is irresistible, and I’m confident once you try it, it will become a treasured dish in your own kitchen. So go ahead, make a batch, and let this casserole fill your home and heart with warmth and deliciousness.
Print
Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monte Cristo Casserole is a decadent, layered breakfast dish inspired by the classic Monte Cristo sandwich. It features layers of French bread, Swiss cheese, and Canadian bacon soaked in a sweet custard mixture, baked until golden and puffed. Served with powdered sugar and raspberry jam, this casserole combines savory and sweet flavors for a perfect brunch or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Bread and Meat
- 1 (16-oz) loaf French bread
- 20 slices Canadian bacon
- 20 slices very thin Swiss cheese slices (Sargento’s)
Condiments
- â…“ cup honey mustard dressing
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for sprinkling
- Raspberry jam, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Slice Bread: Slice the French bread into 20 slices, each about 1 inch thick, to ensure they fit nicely in your baking dish and soak up the custard mixture evenly.
- Prepare Bread with Honey Mustard: Brush both sides of each bread slice with honey mustard dressing. Then, arrange the slices in two rows in your baking dish, overlapping them slightly to create a base.
- Layer Cheese and Bacon: Between each slice of bread, place one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of Canadian bacon, layering to build the classic Monte Cristo flavor combination throughout the casserole.
- Mix Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fully combined. This custard will soak into the bread and add richness.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread, cheese, and bacon to saturate all layers.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight so the bread fully absorbs the custard flavors.
- Preheat and Bake: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover it, and preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until it is puffed slightly and the eggs are fully set.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam on the side or drizzled on top for a delightful sweet finish.
Notes
- For best results, allow the casserole to refrigerate overnight so the bread absorbs the custard well.
- You can substitute honey mustard with Dijon mustard or another favorite mustard for a different flavor profile.
- Use very thin slices of Swiss cheese to ensure they melt uniformly within the casserole.
- Raspberry jam adds a sweet and tangy contrast but is optional based on preference.
- Ensure the casserole is baked until the eggs are fully set to avoid any runny texture.
